The Pagan Dancers

Each Kuker creates a costume from rag, bones, and other items, pieced together to look as scary as possible. Over this, they generally wear bells and other items designed to make loud noises. The groups of Kukeri come together to dance, making as much noise as possible. The goal is to protect their village from evil spirits. Elements of these costumes are handed down from generation to generation, especially the bells. Looking at the Kukeri costumes, you can tell some of these bells have been protecting Bulgaria for nearly a century.